School board votes not to fund the iconic all-ages venue's necessary repairs

First the San Diego Opera was threatened, then the Ken Cinema almost went dark, and now another local arts institution is danger of shutting down.

The Ché Cafe, a quirky, all-ages venue on the UC San Diego campus, has for decades been a gathering place for local artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and other creative types. Over its 34-year history, it has hosted concerts by Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, Death Cab for Cutie and many more.

But last week, the University Centers Advisory Board (UCAB) voted not to fund the Ché’s repairs in its 2014-2015 budget, which could lead to the venue’s closure.

According to Davide Carpano, a member of the Ché’s student-run collective, the nonprofit venue had been working with the Advisory Board on some minor fire-code violations since December and was never warned that the spot could be in jeopardy.

“We want to have a space that’s safe,” Carpano said. “We see this issue as the board using it as a way to get us out.”

The building, which looks like a house covered with colorful murals and concert stickers, is more than 70 years old and has battled with fire-code issues over the years.

Last month, UCAB representatives and UCSD University Centers Facilities Director Sharon Van Bruggen, told Ché representatives they would need about $800,000 ﻿in repairs, including installing a sprinkler system and renovating the restrooms.

UCAB then voted not to fund these repairs, despite protests from students past and present.

“If you rent a house and a pipe bursts, it’s the responsibility of the landlord to pay,” explained Carpano. “This is the same thing. Our building is in disrepair, and our landlord — University Centers — has been deferring maintenance for years.”

Van Bruggen and other administrative representatives did not return calls or emails. Inquiries were instead referred to UCAB student chair, Sammy Chang, who also couldn’t be reached for comment.

But members of the local music community and former students have been vocal on social media about the situation, writing tweets and Facebook updates over the weekend.

Rishi Shah (@rks1129) said: “Just found out @theCheCafe will likely close. That place shaped my college & life experience. Will be pretty bummed if its gone. #SaveTheChe”

Local musician Justin Pearson posted on Facebook: “San Diego, this is a sad time for us. The Ché has been one of the most important places to see music in my entire life.”

Carpano, a sociology student from North Carolina, said he’s confident the Ché Cafe will keep its doors open.

In 2011, the venue was in danger of closing because it couldn’t pay its insurance premiums. In 1989, there were also issues with fire codes.

But the students and community rallied and found a way to stay open.

And Carpano is confident this will be the case again.

“We are not closed, we’re still open and booking shows,” he said.

Though the UCAB made its vote, school administrators have the final say. A committee will be created to discuss the Ché Cafe’s future by June 3.

“The Ché is a particular space that caters to a particular demographic and subculture,” Carpano said. “There are a lot of students on campus that don’t fit in and this is where they can feel comfortable. It’s a resource center, and just because not everyone uses it, it doesn’t take away its importance.”